Reading List

I love knowing what inspires my favorite artists and bloggers, so I thought you might be interested to see what books and blogs keep me hooked. Let me know if you have any questions about the books and blogs listed here, or if you have a suggestion for a new blog I should follow.

- Jennifer

Polymer Clay Inspiration

Anything by Donna Kato – I’ve mentioned before how much I admire the work of Donna Kato, and her instructional books are must-have reference items for any polymer clay artist. She covers all the basic techniques in great detail, and I constantly refer to her helpful instructions.

Sew & Stow (Betty Oppenheimer) – While the projects are great, my favorite parts of this book are actually the first and last chapters, where Oppenheimer covers all the basic techniques of sewing and project construction and gives tips for making your own patterns. So helpful!

Owning a Crafty Business

Handmadeology – Handmadeology is a must-read blog for any Etsy artist. Timothy Adams and his team of bloggers cover everything related to running an online business, and their combined experience can answer just about any question you have.

My Wife Quit Her Day Job – While this blog isn’t specific to a crafty online business, the basic business tips and ideas apply to any online business owner.

Craft, Inc. (Meg Mateo Ilasco) – This book has been my constant companion the past 8 months. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering starting a part- or full-time crafting business.

The Craft Artist’s Legal Guide (Richard Stim) – This book is an amazing reference and has sample versions of just about any legal document you will ever need. Even better, Stim explains what all the legalese means and why it’s important!

Handmade for Profit (Barbara Brabec) – While some of the information in this book is geared toward those who are not web-savvy, it still is a treasure-trove of tested ideas and information for making a living with your craft.

Fellow Crafters

Alisa Burke – Artist, author, and teacher Alisa Burke maintains a beautiful blog full of her daily projects and creativity. I can’t seem to get enough of her bursts of color and elegant lines.

Frog Prince Paperie – Paula at Frog Prince Paperie creates custom graphics and designs for parties of all sorts, from birthday parties to anniversary celebrations, and her “real party” features are amazing. I’d love to have someone throw me a party like that. :)

Blog Love

Today’s Letters – Emily and Tim’s fun style and infective love for life and each other are sure to capture you just like they did me.

Enjoying the Small Things – Kelle is an amazing photographer with a gorgeous family. Her outlook of taking everything one step at a time is a wonderful reminder of the importance of savoring every moment.

What Would a Nerd Wear – Tania’s fashion diary is a great inspiration, and she proves that a limited wardrobe and limited budget don’t have to mean lack of style.

My Closet in Sketches – While I love Lauren’s unique fashion style, her daily sketches and handwritten blog text are what set her apart from your run-of-the-mill fashion blog.

Altucher Confidential – James Altucher is a frequent contributor to Freakonomics, which is how I happened upon his blog. While I frequently disagree with his points of view, they always get me thinking, which is valuable in and of itself.

Booksprung – I’m the proud owner of a Kindle 3, and Booksprung keeps me up-to-date on the lates news in the eBook world.

Articulations – This is my mother-in-law’s blog, where she candidly discusses religion, politics, and everything in between.

Anything by Madeleine L’Engle – While she’s most known for her children’s literature, L’Engle’s works for adults are amazing. Each books is more insightful and thought-provoking than the last. I’ve read nearly everything she wrote multiple times, and I continually come back for more.

Woman in White (Wilkie Collins) – I first read Woman in White in high school, and I’ve probably read it 10 times since then. I love mysteries, and this book combines suspense, mystery, and romance to create a Victorian page-turner. It’s a wonderful book that continually captures my imagination.

The Citizens of Porkopolis – This link isn’t so much of a reading suggestion as a visiting suggestion. Tom Green, the owner of the company, is a good friend, and he is a wonderful cook. Those who live in Cincinnati should definitely check it out.